NYC hardcore legends SHUTDOWN return with a bold statement in their new single “Untouchable,” a preview of the six-song EP By Your Side, set to release on January 17, 2025, via Equal Vision Records.
The single comes with a music video paying tribute to the BEASTIE BOYS’ iconic “Shake Your Rump,” directed by Jerry Farley. At its core, “Untouchable” confronts toxic relationships, calling out those who thrive on the misery of others and seek to undermine others’ success. It’s a defiant anthem of resilience, emphasizing the importance of protecting yourself from such negativity.
“To me, this goes out to people who say ‘you can’t’ or ‘you shouldn’t,’” explains Farley. “But you straight-up don’t let them get in your way because deep down, they want to tear down what you do. They don’t have the courage themselves, so they figure if they can’t, why should you! The internet can also bring out the worst in some people. We are really trying to keep with that positive SHUTDOWN message: we can’t be touched, we won’t be stopped, we will persevere and be ourselves.”
The EP, By Your Side, marks SHUTDOWN’s first new material in 24 years. Recorded by longtime friend and producer Jerry Farley, the collection channels the raw intensity of their early work while reflecting the band’s growth and maturity. Tracks like “Our Time” and the title track emphasize community and unity, central themes for the band. “Untouchable” follows with righteous anger and self-belief, while “Is This The End” explores new beginnings amidst heavy riffs. The EP concludes with “What Are You Thinking?”, a deeply personal song inspired by bassist Dion DeNardo’s experiences following his son’s autism diagnosis.
Reflecting on the band’s hiatus and return, guitarist Steve Della Croce shares, “We never officially broke up. We needed to stop touring and started doing a few other things. We all tried to play when we could, but it wasn’t consistent. A couple of us had side projects going, and we would write SHUTDOWN songs once in a while, but we realized we needed a plan of what we wanted to do and what the band should sound like. We’ve talked a lot over the past couple of years about how we’ve evolved and grown as musicians and songwriters, and we wanted everyone to hear what we were talking about.”
The EP builds on last year’s Still… Against All Odds, carrying the band’s trademark positivity and defiance into the present. Vocalist Mark Scondotto sums it up: “There’s a lot of hope on this release. I really think that’s what the world needs right now.”
